Family law
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Custody and parenting time decisions address how parents share responsibility for their children's upbringing and how parenting time is structured after separation.
Overview
What to understand about child custody and parenting time.
Michigan family law recognizes two types of custody: legal custody, which concerns decision-making authority for major issues in a child's life, and physical custody, which concerns where the child resides. Courts may award sole or joint arrangements for each type.
Parenting time refers to the schedule of time each parent spends with the child. Courts consider many factors in determining parenting time, including the child's established relationships, each parent's ability to facilitate the child's relationship with the other parent, and the child's developmental needs.
Michigan courts apply the "best interests of the child" standard to custody and parenting time determinations, considering specific statutory factors. These determinations can be revisited if there is a proper cause or a change of circumstances.
Who this serves
- ●Parents going through divorce
- ●Unmarried parents establishing parenting arrangements
- ●Parents seeking to modify existing custody or parenting time orders
- ●Parents concerned about a child's safety or wellbeing
- ●Those facing relocation issues
Common issues
What these matters typically involve.
- Legal and physical custody arrangements
- Parenting time schedules
- Holiday and vacation schedules
- Decision-making authority
- Relocation requests
- High-conflict parenting situations
- Post-judgment modifications
Process
How these matters proceed.
Custody and parenting time may be determined by agreement of the parties or, if contested, by the court after evaluation of the statutory best-interest factors. Michigan courts may appoint a guardian ad litem or involve other professionals in disputed cases.
How the firm approaches this
Quist Homier Law on child custody and parenting time.
The firm understands that custody and parenting time matters affect children and parents deeply and over a long time. The attorneys help clients understand the legal standards, identify their priorities, and develop arrangements that are durable and realistic — whether through negotiation or litigation.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about child custody and parenting time.
Michigan courts consider a specific set of statutory factors known as the "best interest" factors, including the child's relationship with each parent, each parent's ability to provide for the child's needs, the child's adjustment to home and school, the preferences of older children, and other relevant circumstances. An attorney can explain how these factors may apply to your situation.
Custody orders may be modified upon a showing of proper cause or a change of circumstances, followed by a finding that the change is in the child's best interests. The specific standard that applies depends on whether a proper cause or change of circumstances exists and the nature of the existing order.
These answers are provided for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. The law varies by jurisdiction and by the specific facts of each situation. Contact the firm to discuss your matter.
Attorneys who handle this
Discuss your child custody and parenting time matter with the firm.
Contact Quist Homier Law to understand your options. No representation is accepted through this form.
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